Confidentiality clause latest flashpoint in Amazon-Future battle

A confidentiality clause in the agreement between Amazon and Future Group may be the latest flashpoint in the ongoing dispute.

As per the agreement between Amazon and Kishore Biyani's Future Group companies, there is a confidentiality clause which says, "No party or person involved in any way in the creation, coordination or operation of the arbitration of any dispute may disclose the existence, contents or results of the dispute or any arbitration conducted under this agreement in relation to that dispute, in each case subject to those disclosures permitted by Section 24 (Confidentiality) and save as required in order to enforce the arbitration agreement and, or any award made pursuant to this agreement."

Following the arbitration award in Singapore, there have been some reports which said that the order of the court was seen or reviewed. The Singapore court order is not yet in the public domain. It is to be seen if this amounts to a violation of the confidentiality clause.

In an earlier filing, Future Retail had said, "Future Retail Limited (FRL) has received a communication from the SIAC, enclosing an interim order of the Emergency Arbitrator in the arbitration proceedings under the shareholders' agreement between Amazon, Future Coupons Private Limited and the promoter group. FRL is examining the communication and the order."